Garlic Scape Pesto from scratch

My neighbor and gardening buddy, Art, gave me some garlic scapes from his garden. I used them to make a tasty garlic scape pesto. I love having fresh pesto in the fridge to whip up pastas, wraps, or even pesto flavored eggs in the summer!

What are Garlic Scapes?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about garlic scapes. These vibrant green, curly stalks are the flowering shoots of garlic plants. These shallots have a mild garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness. They are great for adding to pestos, stir-fries, or as a pizza topping.

Why Garlic Scape Pesto?

Traditional pesto is fantastic, but using garlic scapes gives it an exciting, fresh twist. This garlic scape pesto can be used in many dishes like pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a dip for veggies. It’s versatile and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those beautiful scapes from your garden or local farmers’ market.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this vibrant garlic scape pesto:

• 1 cup garlic scapes, sliced crosswise (about 10 to 12 scapes)
• ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup basil leaves
• Juice of one lemon
• Handful of spinach
• 1 tablespoon water

How to make Garlic Scape Pesto

1. Prepare the Garlic Scapes: Start by slicing the garlic scapes crosswise into small pieces. This will make it easier to blend them in a food processor or blender into a smooth pesto.
2. Mix the sliced garlic scapes, sunflower seeds, basil leaves, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
3. Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: With the food processor running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Add the lemon juice and blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to achieve your desired consistency. You can add more water if necessary.
5. Season and Store: Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Transfer the pesto to a jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What else can I make with Garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are incredibly versatile! You can make a vibrant garlic scape pesto, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Sauté them with vegetables for a flavorful side dish or stir-fry. Add them to scrambled eggs or omelets for a garlicky twist.

Use garlic scapes in soups and stews for added depth, or pickle them for a tangy snack. They also make a great pizza topping, adding a mild garlic flavor.

Try blending them into salad dressings or marinades, or simply grill them as a unique side. Garlic scapes are a fantastic addition to countless dishes!

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